infancy

[in-fuh n-see] /ˈɪn fən si/
noun, plural infancies.
1.
the state or period of being an infant; very early childhood, usually the period before being able to walk; babyhood.
2.
the corresponding period in the existence of anything; very early stage:
Space science is in its infancy.
3.
infants collectively.
4.
Law. the period of life to the age of majority, 21 years at common law but now usually 18; minority; nonage.
Origin
1485-95; < Latin infantia. See infant, -cy
Examples from the web for infancy
  • Tests to detect cancer-causing mutations are still in their infancy.
  • Such precision farming using satellite-based intelligence is in its infancy.
  • Unfortunately, artificial photosynthesis is still in its infancy.
  • The art of forecasting space weather is in its infancy.
  • Given that the market is in its infancy, such estimates should be treated with caution.
  • The missile-defence scheme remains in its infancy, and is likely to cost more than current plans envisage.
  • Yet, if the current pace of innovation in the field is anything to go by, wireless technology is still in its infancy.
  • The economics of incorporating employment considerations into regulatory policy is in its infancy.
  • But the market for plug-in hybrids is in its infancy.
  • The economics of the new commons is still in its infancy.
British Dictionary definitions for infancy

infancy

/ˈɪnfənsɪ/
noun (pl) -cies
1.
the state or period of being an infant; childhood
2.
an early stage of growth or development
3.
infants collectively
4.
the period of life prior to attaining legal majority (reached at 21 under common law, at 18 by statute); minority nonage
Word Origin and History for infancy
n.

late 14c., from Anglo-French enfaunce and directly from Latin infantia "early childhood," literally "inability to speak," from infantem (see infant).

infancy in Medicine

infancy in·fan·cy (ĭn'fən-sē)
n.

  1. The earliest period of childhood, especially before the ability to walk has been acquired.

  2. The state of being an infant.